Systems Thinking for the Systems Curious (Part 1)

This week’s newsletter brings episode 25 of the Cyb3rSyn Labs Podcast, featuring Matt Lloyd PLY, who wears multiple hats: Chair of the Systems Thinking SIG at The OR Society, Member of the Centre for Systems Studies at the University of Hull and a Strategy and Compliance Consultant.

In this episode, Matt discusses his journey into systems thinking, rooted in his academic background and diverse professional experiences as a journalist, teacher, and Paralympian.

A core theme of the discussion is the imperative to make systems thinking more accessible to a wider, "systems curious" audience, often by drawing analogies from music, literature like Terry Pratchett's work, and everyday life, rather than relying solely on academic texts.

Matt also critiques the binary, solution-seeking approach prevalent in mainstream management, advocating instead for a nuanced understanding of problems and a multi-methodological approach championed by the University of Hull and Dr. Michael C Jackson.

Table of Contents

• Podcast Video

• Key Insights and My Reflections

  • Making Systems Thinking Accessible

  • The Fundamental Flaw in Mainstream Management

  • Systems Thinking and the University of Hull

• Featured LeanPub Book